God: A Guide for the Perplexed - Softcover

Ward, Keith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1851683232 ISBN 13: 9781851683239

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 2003

Synopsis

Inspired and impassioned, this new book charts the path of humanity's great spiritual odyssey: the search for God. Along this ancient and winding road, the reader will encounter philosophers from Plato to Wittgenstein and religions from Judaism to the Hindu tradition, interspersed with divine influences from Classical Greece, Romantic poetry, and the occasional scene from 'Alien'. Leading the way through this minefield is acclaimed philosopher-theologian Kith Ward, blending the sublime and the eclectic in a narrative which offers wit, erudition and moments of genuine pathos. As a survey of the different manifestations of God through the centuries, and an examination of humanity's search for the divine, this is an engaging and informative book. As a deeply moving testament to our endless capacity for spiritual hope, it is compulsive reading for anyone interested in, or embarking on, the great quest for meaning.

About this title

Review

Keith Ward is an eminent Oxford theologian, and a title such as God: a Guide for the Perplexed might make many people run for cover. Don't run. This is a wonderful book. Ward is a philosopher as well as a theologian and he succeeds in presenting the sweep of mankind's religious and philosophical thought with style, reverence and a wry humour. He is to be congratulated in producing a book that avoids churchy claptrap, academic jargon, religious cliché and mushy spirituality. He writes in a crisp, entertaining way that is never flippant and he wears his immense learning lightly, sharing a genuine enthusiasm for his subject with a clear desire to communicate with ordinary people.

In seven chapters Ward takes us through the history of mankind's religious thought. He shows how philosophical questions have always been linked with religious questions, and how religion has never been merely a set of rules or doctrines, but a quest for meaning and a search for the blazing darkness that is God. In other words, this book is a feast for the mind and the heart. While the academic ground is covered lightly, the mystical, poetic and mysterious side of religion is also given due weight. If you can only buy one book that explains the heart and mind of mankind's spiritual quest, buy this book. --Dwight Longenecker

Review

A lively and very clearly written discussion summarizing and criticizing the thoughts of many significant thinkers. -- John Polkinghorne, Times Literary Supplement

Highly informed, witty and immensely accessible. One of the most congenial, lively and informative introductions to this field. -- Alister McGrath, Professor of Historical Theology, Oxford University

Radical, erudite and witty . . . (Ward) manages the rare combination of readable prose laced with generous dollops of creative mischief and learning. -- Linda Hurcombe, Church Times

With humor and skill Ward deftly and accurately guides us through the ages of reflection on what can and cannot be known about God. -- Library Journal

Wry but delightfully non-ironic, intelligent and clear, this book is a blessing . . . -- Publishers Weekly

Edition details

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1851683232
• ISBN 13: 9781851683239
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272